Growers meet officials to follow up on assistance measures

BANGKOK, 2 Dec 2014, (NNT) - Representatives of para rubber, sugarcane, and rice farmers met the Deputy Agriculture Minister in separate meetings to discuss the Government’s assistance measures for the sector.

Rubber growers yesterday urged Deputy Agriculture Minister Amnuey Patisay to expedite the implementation of government assistance measures such as the establishment a fund to purchase rubber at 60 baht per kg, and a project to give loans of not more than 100,000 baht per household.

The group also called for sustainable measures to prop up rubber prices such as an amendment to the Para Rubber Act, the establishment of rubber product operation centers in all regions, development of para rubber markets, and finding markets for processed rubber.

Meanwhile, representatives of rice farmers in the central region urged the Government to help find ways to reduce production costs and issue regulations that would facilitate rice cultivation twice a year in conformity with irrigation cycles.

Those from the Federation of Sugarcane Farmers asked the administration to provide greater support to small-scale planters as well as encourage formation of agricultural groups which would be beneficial to planters in terms of resource pooling, thus helping reduce the operational cost.

They also showed support to agricultural zoning, saying it has encouraged expansion of sugarcane areas. However they suggested the Government educate farmers more on the matter, in order to raise production efficiency and quality at the same time.

-- NNT 2014-12-02

Everybody is looking for help,if they took the advice of HM The King

and moved into mixed farming,instead of just relying on mono crops,

that are controlled by world market prices,and big Agro companies,

they might get out of the debit cycle they are in.

If they went into mixed farming they could be self sufficient,with a bit

of rice,chickens,a cow,pigs,fish pond,vegetables,fruits,etc,they would

never be hungry,and the could sell their excess produce at markets

to buy everyday essentials.I am sure they would be a lot happier,no

worries what price the rice they have just planted will make,if it will

be wiped out by pests or will there be enough water.

The supporting of farmers by the Govt. with tax payers money cannot

continue,its been going on for years,costing Billions of Bht.and so much

has just evaporated or been simply wasted.

regards Worgeordie

Why weren't bar and go go owners invited to the meeting, their business is suffering every bit as the farmers! 555

You cannot just prop up the prices because you want more profit ... tried and failed rice scams come to mind

Rubber farmers want the government to set up a rubber pledging program similar to the new rice pledging program (different from Yingluck's program because it is like white stripes on black instead of black stripes on white). Now who didn't see that coming?

Next in line will be the growers of cassava, oranges, corn, coconuts, soybeans, pigs, and shrimp. And the real downside of more government agricultural subsidies (off the approved budget) is that the cost does by itself not contribute to overall GDP growth and the economic benefits to the farmers can be damaged by foreign economies.

The Junta government needs to provide consistent and disciplined leadership. Making policy by whatever special interest group calls for attention isn't leadership.

Rubber farmers want the government to set up a rubber pledging program similar to the new rice pledging program (different from Yingluck's program because it is like white stripes on black instead of black stripes on white). Now who didn't see that coming?

Next in line will be the growers of cassava, oranges, corn, coconuts, soybeans, pigs, and shrimp. And the real downside of more government agricultural subsidies (off the approved budget) is that the cost does by itself not contribute to overall GDP growth and the economic benefits to the farmers can be damaged by foreign economies.

The Junta government needs to provide consistent and disciplined leadership. Making policy by whatever special interest group calls for attention isn't leadership.

Absolutely.

Mind you the subsidies for farmers the current government has planned are included in the National Budget. Also the support is paid directly to farmers who still complain it's not enough.

BTW somehow I never heard you about the 'self financing' RPPS of the previous government which 'only' required a revolving funds 'outside' the approved National Budget to leave us with a 700--/

++ billion Baht loss.